WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Chris Smith criticized House Democrats on Thursday after their attempt to advance an Iran war powers resolution by unanimous consent was blocked during a pro forma session of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Smith, who presided over the April 9th U.S. House of Representatives session as speaker pro tempore, said the Democratic effort was procedurally flawed and urged lawmakers to instead focus on ongoing diplomatic developments, including a newly announced ceasefire agreement involving Iran.
A video of Smith has gone viral; Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD) is heard demanding unanimous consent for passage of the war powers resolution, but Smith unapologeticaly gaveled the House out of session.
According to Smith, the failed resolution ran afoul of House rules governing unanimous consent requests. He argued that rather than pursuing measures unlikely to advance, lawmakers should prioritize supporting the ceasefire, which he described as a meaningful step toward de-escalation and a potential long-term agreement.
The New Jersey Republican framed the ceasefire as an opportunity to address one of the central U.S. concerns in the region: preventing Iran from developing and deploying a nuclear weapon. He emphasized that allowing the current agreement to proceed could create space for broader negotiations aimed at regional stability.
Smith also reiterated longstanding Republican criticism of the Iran Nuclear Agreement negotiated under former President Barack Obama. He argued that the deal contributed to Iran’s missile proliferation and failed to adequately curb its nuclear ambitions.
“Iran has posed a sustained threat through its support for terrorism and regional aggression,” Smith said, adding that recent missile activity has endangered U.S. personnel and allies.
Despite those concerns, Smith expressed cautious optimism about the current diplomatic window, saying he hopes the ceasefire could lead to a “fair and reasonable” agreement that prevents Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities.
The failed unanimous consent effort highlights ongoing divisions in Congress over how to approach Iran, particularly as tensions persist in the region and lawmakers debate the balance between military authority and diplomatic engagement.
While Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) presides during House pro forma session, Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD) asks unanimous consent for the House to pass Iran war powers resolution.
Smith does not recognize Ivey and gavels the House out. pic.twitter.com/jtqXR63NvH
— CSPAN (@cspan) April 9, 2026
